characterization
noun
char·ac·ter·i·za·tion
ˌker-ik-t(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən 
ˌka-rik-
: the act of characterizing
especially
: the artistic representation (as in fiction or drama) of human character or motives
the author's characterization of the boy as someone who wanted to be accepted by others
Examples of characterization in a Sentence
The reporter was criticized for his characterization of the people of the town as poor and uneducated.
News reporting requires accurate characterization.
The class discussed the author's characterization of the boy as someone who wanted to be accepted by others.
The story has good characterization.
Recent Examples on the Web
Moriarty and Violet are so fun, in fact, that Sherlock & Daughter nearly runs the risk of getting stolen right out from Sherlock and Daughter, who feel more predictable in their characterizations.
—
Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2025
But the officials’ characterization of the shooting posted to the police department’s Facebook page was criticized by many who said the statement’s language downplayed Saturday’s violence.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 14 Apr. 2025
The dialogue is overly ornate, with long monologues filled with highfalutin references, and there’s no distinct characterization: A Bronx pawnbroker talks the same as a Manhattan equities trader.
—Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 11 Apr. 2025
Seems appropriate, but then again, that characterization might be unfair to bricks.
—Time, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterization
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Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2025
But the officials’ characterization of the shooting posted to the police department’s Facebook page was criticized by many who said the statement’s language downplayed Saturday’s violence.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 14 Apr. 2025
The dialogue is overly ornate, with long monologues filled with highfalutin references, and there’s no distinct characterization: A Bronx pawnbroker talks the same as a Manhattan equities trader.
—Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 11 Apr. 2025
Seems appropriate, but then again, that characterization might be unfair to bricks.
—Time, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for characterization
Cite this Entry
“Characterization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/characterization. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
characterization
noun
char·ac·ter·i·za·tion
ˌkar-ik-tə-rə-ˈzā-shən
1
: the act of characterizing
2
: the creation of characters (as in a book or play)
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